The Sea Ray 220 Sundeck revives a model that probably should never have gone on hiatus as it represents such an attractive package with her comfortable size and roominess. With more forward space than a typical bowrider, this 220 Sundeck offers contoured chaise lounges forward to complement the convertible sun pad aft. The optional arch is collapsible. But we think the best part is that she’s offered in both a sterndrive and outboard configuration. Truly a boat all about choice.

Sea Ray 220 Sundeck (2014-) Captain's Report

By Captain Steve Larivee

Mission- Improving the Breed

Sea Ray stepped up and went beyond just a renamed model for this new launch. Instead, several significant improvements were made to not only deliver a better product, but a better boating experience. It is part of Sea Ray's strategy to provide a full line of premium luxury boats.

The 220 Sundeck has a capacity rating for 12 people making her competitive with pontoon boats of equal or larger size.

Upscale Treatments

Sea Ray is clearly morphing back to the days when the brand lead the industry with innovations and styling and its customers couldn’t be happier with the transition. In fact, with the current market trend leading towards more value-priced boats, these Sundecks may be one of the few premium offerings in class.

First rate materials, with multiple patterns and tones and even custom embroidery adorn the interior of the 220 Sundeck.

More Capacity

One of the most significant improvements in the 220 Sundeck is how Sea Ray takes better advantage of the beam to add to the spaciousness. This is clearly evident at both the bow and stern cockpit areas where there is a noticeable increase in the amount of useable space making it easier to get around throughout both areas. And it’s not just an optical illusion. Because of this added space, Sea Ray was able to increase the capacity of the 220 Sundeck from 10 to 12 persons, a direct benefit to boaters with a lot of friends, and with this boat, believe that friends are going to be coming out of the woodwork.

Storage Improvements

The storage areas also got an upgrade. The helm console storage is now lockable, and includes a stereo “pod” that houses the standard Sony premium head unit. Just beneath are a USB and MP3 port, a 12V power receptacle, and beneath that is a padded tray to hold the MP3 player of choice, all together in one spot. The compartment also includes dedicated storage for the optional cockpit pedestal table, and is now lockable, so no worries about having to take all the valuables that were brought aboard as everyone makes their way to the dockside restaurant.

Sea Ray went well beyond the norm of just planting a stereo into the storage compartment. Here, a dedicated spot for the stereo, and a MP3 player that includes power connections.

The storage space in the helm console includes space for the optional pedestal table.

The port console now features storage seating with the head being optional. This is a big improvement as most users of this boat are not going to need a head, but certainly will appreciate the added storage space for beach chairs, tote bags and whatever else gets us through the day. Optional interior treatments are now offered with upgraded decking, all bulkheads being padded, cargo netting added to the port bulkhead, and the forward bulkhead can have wood laminated cabinetry with two shelves.

Most will use this compartment for storage so Sea Ray made the Porta-Potti optional.

The door is lockable, and includes a rubber-pated surface for putting stuff, but it needs a raised lip to hold items in place.

And finally, in the category of storage, a dedicated space for a 25 quart (23.7 L) cooler has been added to the cockpit, under the L-shaped seating. It’s behind a door and slides out from a recessed holder with fiddles to keep it in position. It can also be accessed without having to lift the seat, meaning there’s no longer a requirement to have someone stand up just to get a soda… just swing the legs to one side for a moment, thanks.

Cooler storage has been improved with a side access door rather than having to lift a cushion.

The Bow Seats 7

As we look at the individual areas, the improvements keep coming. In the bow, designers were able to create both forward and aft facing seating, certainly an unusual step in a boat in this size and class. For the aft facing, the backrest measures 3'9” (1.14 m) across which creates 3-across seating, with two to each side able to relax with legs extended. The backrest comes up high enough to remain comfortable topping out at 11” (28 cm). The addition of an optional side mount pedestal table would really round out the comfort features of this bow area.

The bow makes good use of space by allowing for both forward, and aft-facing seating.

The usual storage accommodations are under the side seats but it’s more accessible thanks to the articulating hinges secured to the aft ends of the seats. The forward seat has covered storage under a hatch held in place with a piano hinge, creating the added use as a step to the foredeck for disembarking to either a bow in docking, or a dive into the water.

Sea Ray created a much roomier bow over its previous models and storage under the seats has been made easily accessible thanks to hinged seat cushions.

Foredeck

The foredeck is also covered with non-skid and the hatch opens to reveal anchor storage that works in conjunction, as opposed to instead of, a location to store the four-step beach re-boarding ladder. The beefy hatch is nearly ½” (1.27 cm) thick and held open with a gas assist strut.

A Pet Peeve

The latch is the turn and close type to lock and we’d like to see these abandoned industry-wide. Nearly every builder uses them. They’re always turned the wrong way leaving the hatch inadvertently unlocked and allowing it to start flapping open when speed is added. Funny thing is, there are usually better latches elsewhere on the boat (in this case the helm storage compartment) that lift to unlatch, and automatically latch when the hatch is closed, so why not just use those and be done with it?

The anchor locker accommodates both an anchor and the four-step beach reboarding ladder. Usually it’s an either/or scenario. We'd like to see a cleat for the anchor in the compartment or on deck at the bow. Forward mooring cleats are just abaft the bow.

To the starboard side is an optional freshwater shower. The nav lights are separated to port and starboard instead of a combined unit at the forward part of the bow that would impede the passage off the deck, so thank you for that small touch Sea Ray. To both sides of the bow are 6” (15.24 cm) cleats bringing the total number of cleats on the 220 Sundeck to 6.

Windshield Walkthrough

Moving back towards the cockpit the two consoles are separated by 17 ½” (44.45 cm) and Sea Ray provided not one but two in-deck storage lockers. A bi-fold door rests flush against the port console and closes off the walkway to add comfort on chilly boating mornings. The walkthrough windshield has more of a rakish look to it as it is mounted at a sharp 27-degree angle, which has the added effect of giving the 220 Sundeck more of a look of speed. The windshield is still supported at both sides and I found it to be sufficient to support my full weight of 185 lbs. (83.91 kg.) of solid muscle.

The walkthrough to the cockpit includes a bi-fold door that closes off the wind on chilly mornings.

Helm

The upscale treatments are nowhere more evident than at the helm with a two-tone soft touch vinyl dash with a light tan lower and a dark brown upper sunshade brow. Our test boat was equipped with the optional Ritchie compass which was mounted a bit off to the left, but for this style and class of boat that will hardly be used for serious navigation, so its position just out of the direct line of sight of the helm works fine.

The gauge cluster includes a SmartCraft gauge with selectable information display.

Sea Ray went with anti-fog gauges with chrome bezels and the panel includes a SmartCraft gauge with its selectable information. The beveled area just below the gauges, that will hold sunglasses… etc., has a small drain allowing water, moisture or morning dew, should the 220 SD be left uncovered (for shame), to be directed into the bilge. Switches are all toggle type and are lit when activated. A stereo remote is over to the left-hand side, to the right are switches for the water pump to operate the showers and the bilge pump switch. Empty switch positions are still included even if the options are not selected and are just covered over with a dark tinted plug.

A carbon fiber panel highlights the upscale features of the helm. Switches to optional items that aren’t selected are plugged so all boats get the same panel.

All the way to starboard is a good-sized cubbyhole that measures 3 1/5” (8.9 m) deep x 6” (15.24 cm) wide x 4 ¾” (12.1 cm) high. Finally a builder has managed to get the construction of such a compartment correct by angling it downward meaning that the contents won't dump out into the lap once the throttle is thrown forward. The three-spoke steering wheel is trimmed in comfortable vinyl and wood trim and mounted to a tilt base.

The helm has two-tone upholstery and the lower panels are carbon fiber. Note how the storage to the right is large and angled down to ensure items stay put when accelerating.

Creature Comforts.

An angled footrest is molded into the console. To starboard, a padded caprail provides a comfortable place for the operator to rest an arm while making incremental adjustments to the throttle control. A lower armrest provides a second comfortable spot.

Good Details.

Storage is nestled into the bulwarks with stainless drink holders located fore and aft that also are fitted with drains leading into the bilge. An interesting departure from previous designs, Sea Ray has now moved the ignition over to the position inside this storage compartment meaning the keys are now well out of the knee strike zone, and even the bumping into zone. A second 12V charging port is located just forward of the drink holder/cell phone holder. A carbon fiber trim piece matches the look of the helm panel and again, adds to the upscale look of the 220 Sundeck.

Port Observer's Seat

The observer's station to port offers guests the same comfortable seat as the captain that wraps around fully, includes a flip-up bolster and a padded lumbar support inserted into the seatback. It also swivels around 180-degrees allowing the observer a more comfortable position to watch the end of the towline while reclining in comfort.

The usual accommodations for storage under the port bulwarks are present as well as an aft facing speaker matching the position of one under the helm console. With this observer's position the armrest is much wider reaching into the bulwarks area a full 7” (17.78 cm) and leads to a forward raked stainless steel grab handle with the stainless drink holder just in front.

Sea Ray went with comfortable bucket seats that swivel and slide, and both include flip-up bolsters.

Port Console Storage

Forward, a two-tone bolster wraps around the curved console. A door to the interior of the console has been improved in its size and functionality and now includes a small nonskid area for placing items, but it could use a raised lip to better hold items like suntan lotion and sunglasses. That would be an easy fix for Sea Ray to accommodate and it has done so on the 240 Sundeck by raising the wrap-around padded bolster to create that raised lip.

Headroom

The door opens to reveal a storage compartment that includes an optional Porta-Potti. A beefy stainless piano hinge is used as well as a stainless latch that is now lockable. A strap mounted across the hinge prevents the door from opening far enough to slam into the helm console. Inside overhead clearance is very much on the low side, a consequence of the boat's length and freeboard height. Every boat is a compromise, and here it is on the 220 Sundeck. However, a portable toilet will be very much appreciated in an emergency and it is well-suited for small children.

Cockpit

The layout of the Sea Ray 220 Sundeck.

The 220 Sundeck features a fully fiberglass-lined deck with the entire cockpit draining through two scuppers leading into the bilge. Courtesy lights are thoughtfully placed in key locations. L-shaped seating to the stern provides not only a storage compartment under the aft seat but a dedicated place for a 25 quart (23.7 L) carry-on cooler under the side seat, accessed through a door underneath the seat. This is a welcome departure from the usual method of asking the occupants to vacate the seat and now a simple request to swing legs to the side gets the job done.

Parents will appreciate the safety factor of the cockpit's 35” (88.9 cm) high depth. An optional side mount to the pedestal table is located under the forward facing seat.

With the cockpit table in place, all seats are within dining range, and certainly this creates an intimate gathering area.

Stern

This is the area that separates the 220 Sundeck from the 220 Sundeck OB. Let’s take a look at them one by one.

Outboard Version. In the outboard model there is a walkthrough to starboard accessed by two steps from the aft platform. The stern has been well executed in this year's model. Non-skid is seen everywhere and accommodates walking not only in front of the engine, to aid in accessing for daily engine checks, but also for walking across to the port side swim platform, a position that is usually neglected by other builders like some orphaned child. Here, the port side is even more functional than the starboard side because it has a padded seat.

There is a walking surface forward of the engine allowing for servicing the outboard, and traversing to the portside staging seat with storage underneath.

Sea Ray went with a seat on top of the access hatch leading under the L-shaped seating, in effect creating a welcome staging area for putting on boards while still allowing access to the storage underneath. The dual swim platforms are added on rather than molded-in and measure 1'10” (.55 m) wide and while adding 2’ (.6 m) to the overall length of the 220 Sundeck.

Stainless rails are on the inboard sides of the swim platform. The re-boarding ladder is located on the starboard platform, angled out well away from the outboard.

The portside seat makes a welcome place to put on the boards before entering the water.

Sterndrive Version. With the sterndrive version, a large sun pad covers the engine box just behind the L-shaped seating. A grab handle is under the aft seat, and a latch is conveniently located making the raising of the hatch a single-handed affair.

Engine installations are well thought-out and leave plenty of room to both sides for service. Daily checkpoints are within easy reach. Engine choices are the standard 5.0 MerCruiser with an Alpha drive, 5.0 with a BIII drive, or a 350 MAG MPI Alpha. And of course this version comes with a full beam swim platform.

Optional Towing Tower.

As this size and class of boat is so well suited to watersports Sea Ray also offers an optional wakeboard tower that is strongly recommended as it dramatically increases the enjoyment factor of the boat itself. It’s a beefy forward raked tower fabricated from 2” (5.1cm) aluminum tubular powder-coated rails.

The tower is also collapsible by simply pulling two pins and leaning forward, and it can be done with one hand as it is so well balanced. LED lights are mounted into the underside of the tower providing much welcome illumination when operating after the sun goes down.

Performance

Our test boat was equipped with the 250-hp Mercury Verado 4-stroke outboards. Options include 175-hp and 200-hp as well.

We tested the outboard version of the 220 Sundeck. She has a length overall of 20’6'' (6.85 m), a beam of 8'4" (2.56 m), and a draft of 3'3" (1 m). With an empty weight of 4,200 lbs. (1,905 kg.), half fuel and two people onboard we had a test weight of 4,342 lbs. (1,969 kg.).

Our test boat reached a top speed at 6400 rpm of 53.3 mph. At that speed we were burning 27.7 gph giving us a range of 78 miles.

Best cruise came in at 3500 rpm and 23.8 mph. That speed reduced the fuel burn to 6.05 gph giving us a range of 159 miles and an endurance of 6 hours and 42 minutes.

We had a time to plane of 3.6 seconds, reached 20 mph in 4.4 seconds, 30 mph in 6.6 seconds, 40 in 10.7 seconds, and continued accelerating through 50 mph in 12.8 seconds.

Handling

She’s an exhilarating boat to drive. Acceleration is quick, and the response to the throttle is instantaneous, so aggressive maneuvers can catch passengers off-guard. Turns are at a comfortable 10-degree angle, and she stays planted to the water, unless cutting across waves, which will produce a perfectly normal, pseudo-chinewalk effect. She bleeds off speed in the turns, as most boats will, so add power when turning, especially when towing. When taking power off, she settles back into the water stern first.

The 220 Sundeck is a thrilling boat to drive and reached a top speed of 53.3 mph.

Observations

Sea Ray has made great strides in returning to its roots in creating upscale boats, and this 220 Sundeck is a fine example of how that mindset is manifesting itself into reality. She’s a comfortable boat to be in as she’s clearly more roomy than her predecessors, and with this return to premium fit-and-finish, there’s an added bonus in the form of pride of ownership. For those sportboat owners who want more seating space and have been thinking about a pontoon boat, I think the 220 Sundeck offers a compelling alternative.

Standard and Optional Equipment

Sea Ray 220 Sundeck (2014-) Standard and Optional Equipment

Marine Electronics

GPS/Chart

Systems

Battery Charger/Converter

CD Stereo

Head: Portable

Head: Fixed

Power Steering

Trailer

Exterior Features

Carpet: Cockpit

Snap-in carpet liner

Outlet: 12-Volt Acc

Swim Ladder

Swim Platform

Tower: Watersports

Transom Door

Transom Shower

Canvas

Bimini Top

Cockpit Cover

= Standard = Optional

Sea Ray 220 Sundeck (2014-) Warranty

Sea Ray 220 Sundeck (2014-) Warranty Information

Warranties change from time to time. While BoatTEST.com has tried to ensure the most up-to-date warranty offered by each builder, it does not guarantee the accuracies of the information presented below. Please check with the boat builder or your local dealer before you buy any boat.

Full Warranty Information on this brand coming soon!

Sea Ray 220 Sundeck (2014-) Price

Sea Ray 220 Sundeck (2014-) Price

Pricing Range

$62,294.00

Prices, features, designs, and equipment are subject to change. Please see your local dealer or visit the builder's website for the latest information available on this boat model.